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While Volt Tackle can be performed in any of the Generation III games, it can only be obtained via Pokémon Emerald or later. There is only one method of obtaining Volt Tackle, which involves breeding a female Pikachu or Raichu holding a Light Ball with any Pokémon in the same Egg Group (or breed a Pikachu or Raichu of any gender holding a Light Ball with a Ditto). If the Pikachu or Raichu and its mating partner are put into the day care and they meet the conditions to produce an Egg, the hatched Pichu will have Volt Tackle. Since this will not work in any game prior to Emerald, trading is the only legitimate way of obtaining Volt Tackle in an older game (like Ruby and Sapphire).

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Volt Tackle is Pikachu's Final Smash. When used, Pikachu will be enveloped by a blue ball of electricity. The ball does major damage and can even pass through platforms, though it is very hard to control.

Trophy information

"Pikachu, transformed into a ball of light that can slam into foes. It can also fly to chase down those who try to jump out of range. Sparks get stronger when you press the attack button. However, its increased inertia makes midair movement tough. If you get carried away flying, the effect will end, and you'll destroy yourself. Be careful it doesn't happen to you."

In the anime

Volt Tackle collision

Ash's Pikachu

Raichu

Volkner's Pikachu

The Pokémon runs at the opponent while engulfed in electricity. It then tackles the opponent.

Pikachu runs at the opponent. Its body then becomes surrounded by golden electricity, and it tackles the opponent. While covered in electricity, Pikachu's body looks black and white. When hit by recoil damage, its body becomes surrounded by yellow sparks of electricity.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Pikachu flies through the air and charges at the opponent. As it does, a stream of electricity spirals around its body. As it travels, it leaves behind a streak of energy. Pikachu then slams into the opponent. When it does, it stays there for a moment and suddenly a large orb of energy surrounds its body and explodes.

Pichu flies through the air and charges at the opponent. As it does, a stream of electricity spirals around its body. As it travels, it leaves behind a streak of energy. Pichu then slams into the opponent. When it does, it stays there for a moment and suddenly a large orb of energy surrounds its body and explodes.

Prior to Generation V, Volt Tackle was the only move that could not be learned by leveling up, TM, HM, or Move Tutor by any Pokémon (not counting Struggle). It now shares this status with V-create.

This is another anime inconsistency, where Ash's Pikachu learns the move on its own having not previously known it. It could be suggested that Pikachu knew the move but hadn't mastered it, with Ash not knowing that Pikachu knew the move.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Volt Tackle is Pikachu's Final Smash. Despite it taking damage from the move in the main series games, Pikachu takes no damage from the move when used in Brawl.